Professor Paul Jaijairam, Deputy Chairperson of the Department of Business and Information Systems at Bronx Community College, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Teaching Excellence Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in teaching and student engagement.

Jaijairam was selected as the top honoree for two-year colleges in the organization’s Northeast Region, placing him among a small group of faculty recognized globally each year. He will be honored at the ACBSP Conference in Phoenix this June and is also under consideration for the international award.

At the center of his teaching is a philosophy grounded in partnership. “We’re partners in the learning process,” he says. “Students should engage, ask questions, and recognize their own potential.”

His approach is built on a “Learn–Understand–Do” framework and a flipped classroom model that emphasizes active, hands-on learning. Students engage with course material before class and use class time to apply concepts, solve problems, and build confidence. “Students leave class knowing they’re learning because they’re doing the work,” he explains.

That structure extends beyond his own classroom. As the accounting program coordinator, Jaijairam develops shared syllabi, assignments, and course materials that create clarity and consistency for students across sections, while also overseeing curriculum alignment and supporting faculty teaching the courses.

He is also known for the time he invests in students outside the classroom. Through office hours, Zoom meetings, and weekend workshops, he provides additional support for those who need it. “I don’t see myself only as a teacher,” he says. “I see myself as a mentor, helping students map out their goals and how to reach them.”

What resonates most for him are the students themselves. He points to their determination and resilience, often in the face of real challenges, as the reason he remains so committed to the work. Many, he says, remind him of his own journey.

After immigrating from Guyana, Jaijairam faced early challenges, including leaving high school to help support his family. He later returned to his education, ultimately building a career as a Certified Public Accountant, corporate leader, and educator. He shares that experience with students as a reminder that their path is still unfolding.

With 20 years of corporate experience, he brings real-world perspective into the classroom, emphasizing accountability, ethics, and practical application. His focus is on equipping students with the skills and perspective to move forward – whether that means transferring, entering the workforce, or continuing to build toward long-term goals.

“Professor Jaijairam’s dedication to his students and his ability to connect teaching with real-world application exemplify the highest standards of teaching excellence,” said Professor Howard Clampman, Chairperson of the Business and Information Systems Department, who nominated Professor Jaijairam for the award.